Best Electric SUVs for Families in Australia | Spacious & Eco-Friendly

In the last few years, Australian families have become increasingly conscious of both their environmental footprint and the long-term savings of driving electric. Rising petrol costs, improved charging networks, and government incentives have made electric vehicles (EVs) more practical than ever. Among EVs, electric SUVs stand out as the ultimate family-friendly option.

These vehicles combine the practicality and space of traditional SUVs with the benefits of zero-emissions driving. They’re designed to carry kids, luggage, and all the gear for a weekend away, while also offering cutting-edge safety tech and comfort features. For many families, switching to an electric SUV isn’t just about going green—it’s about preparing for the future.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the best electric SUVs for families in Australia in 2025, diving into factors like space, range, affordability, charging convenience, tech features, and safety.

Key Factors Families Consider When Buying an Electric SUV

Before we dive into the models, it’s important to understand what makes a great family electric SUV in the Australian context.

Space and Practicality

Families need room—plain and simple. Whether it’s fitting prams, sports equipment, groceries, or luggage for a road trip, cargo space is essential. Many EV SUVs also come with “frunks” (front trunks), adding extra storage.

Range and Charging Convenience

Australia is a big country, and while city charging infrastructure is improving, families often need longer ranges for road trips. A good family EV should offer at least 400–500 km on a single charge.

Safety Features

With kids on board, safety can’t be compromised. Families look for ANCAP 5-star ratings, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), multiple airbags, and features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking.

Comfort and Tech

From spacious seating to rear-seat entertainment and wireless connectivity, comfort matters. Tech-savvy features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and advanced climate control are also top priorities.

Affordability and Running Costs

EVs can have higher upfront costs, but families weigh this against long-term savings on fuel, servicing, and government rebates. Affordable options are increasingly available, especially with brands like BYD and MG entering the market.

Top Electric SUVs for Families in Australia

Now let’s look at the standout models currently available or arriving soon in the Australian market.

Tesla Model Y – The Tech-Savvy Family Choice

The Tesla Model Y has quickly become one of the most popular EVs in Australia. Its spacious cabin, cutting-edge technology, and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network make it a top choice for families.

• Range: Up to 533 km (Long Range)
• Seating: 5 seats, with excellent rear legroom
• Cargo: 854 litres including frunk and underfloor storage
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP rating
• Family Advantage: Over-the-air software updates keep the car future-ready; minimalist design makes it easy to clean and kid-proof.

Kia EV9 – The Full-Size Family Hauler

The Kia EV9 is one of the most anticipated family EVs in Australia. This full-size electric SUV offers three rows of seating, making it ideal for larger families.

• Range: 480–500 km depending on variant
• Seating: 6 or 7 seats with flexible configurations
• Cargo: Huge boot capacity, plus fold-flat third row
• Safety: Packed with Kia’s latest safety tech including Highway Driving Assist
• Family Advantage: Spacious enough for big families or those who want future-proof versatility.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Stylish and Practical

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 combines futuristic styling with practical family features. Its long wheelbase means rear passengers enjoy exceptional space.

• Range: Around 480 km
• Seating: 5 seats with reclining rear chairs
• Cargo: 527 litres plus frunk
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP with advanced ADAS suite
• Family Advantage: Ultra-fast 800V charging cuts downtime on long trips, perfect for family road travel.

BYD Atto 3 – Budget-Friendly Family EV

The BYD Atto 3 has shaken up the Australian EV market with its affordable price point and strong features. It’s a great entry-level EV SUV for families making the switch.

• Range: 420–480 km
• Seating: 5 seats
• Cargo: 440 litres, practical for city families
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP rating
• Family Advantage: Lower upfront cost means more Australians can access EV ownership without breaking the budget.

Volvo EX30 – Compact Luxury for Urban Families

The Volvo EX30 is a smaller SUV, but it’s perfect for families who live in cities and don’t need a huge vehicle.

• Range: Around 480 km
• Seating: 5 seats
• Cargo: 318 litres (smaller than rivals, but manageable for urban use)
• Safety: Advanced Volvo safety suite, including autonomous emergency braking
• Family Advantage: Luxury feel with Scandinavian design, ideal for style-conscious families.

MG ZS EV – Affordable and Growing in Popularity

The MG ZS EV continues to be one of Australia’s most popular entry-level electric SUVs, offering a mix of affordability and practicality.

• Range: Around 440 km
• Seating: 5 seats
• Cargo: 448 litres
• Safety: 5-star ANCAP rating
• Family Advantage: Budget-friendly with enough range for daily family use, making EV ownership realistic for many households.

Polestar 3 – Premium Scandinavian Option

The Polestar 3 brings premium Scandinavian design and performance into the EV SUV space.

• Range: Around 600 km
• Seating: 5 seats
• Cargo: 484 litres
• Safety: Cutting-edge ADAS from Volvo/Polestar
• Family Advantage: Excellent balance of performance, comfort, and luxury for families willing to invest more.

Comparing the Best Electric SUVs for Families

When families weigh their options, they often compare vehicles side by side.

• Best for Large Families: Kia EV9
• Best Budget Choice: BYD Atto 3 or MG ZS EV
• Best Tech and Range: Tesla Model Y
• Best Premium Option: Polestar 3 or Volvo EX30
• Best All-Rounder: Hyundai Ioniq 5

Charging Infrastructure in Australia – Is It Family-Friendly?

One concern for families is whether they can rely on Australia’s charging network. The good news is that infrastructure is improving rapidly:

• Tesla Superchargers are expanding and now open to more brands.
• Chargefox and Evie Networks provide coverage on major highways.
• Many shopping centres, schools, and local councils are installing public chargers.

For families, this means road trips are increasingly realistic, with planning tools like PlugShare making it easy to map out charging stops.

Government Incentives and Running Costs

Switching to an electric SUV isn’t just about eco-consciousness—it’s also a smart financial move.

• State Rebates: NSW, VIC, and QLD offer rebates and stamp duty waivers.
• Registration Discounts: Many states offer cheaper rego for EVs.
• Running Costs: Families save thousands over the years on fuel and maintenance, as EVs require fewer services and no petrol.

Long-Term Ownership and Resale Value

Families also think about the future. As demand for EVs grows, resale values are improving, especially for popular models like Tesla and Kia. Choosing a family electric SUV now may actually be a better investment than waiting, as supply constraints and rising fuel costs continue to shape the market.

Conclusion: The Future Is Electric for Australian Families

For Australian families, the electric SUV is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s here, practical, and rapidly becoming mainstream. Whether you want the budget-friendly BYD Atto 3, the family-sized Kia EV9, or the high-tech Tesla Model Y, there’s an option to suit every need and budget.

With better charging infrastructure, strong safety ratings, and government incentives, now is the ideal time for families to consider an electric SUV. Not only will you reduce your environmental impact, but you’ll also enjoy the comfort, space, and tech that modern families demand.